Rare 2,000-Year-Old Brahmi Ring Unearthed in Phetchaburi
Archaeologists in Phetchaburi have unearthed a rare 2,000-year-old Brahmi script ring and multiple bronze drums at the Don Yai Thong site, marking Thailand's first location with such concentrated ancient artifacts. Officials are pushing for
On July 4, 2025, Thiwalrat Angkinanthana, Phetchaburi MP and chair of the parliamentary committee on religion, arts and culture, announced new discoveries at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Ban Laad District, Phetchaburi Province. Archaeologists have uncovered two additional gold rings, one of which is a seal ring featuring Brahmi script inscriptions and dating to approximately 1,900-2,100 years ago.
The excavation began after locals found bronze drums. Subsequent digs have revealed five bronze drums total, eight ancient human skeletons, and a suspected ninth skeleton believed to be a child, along with valuable ornaments including bracelets, gold rings, bronze vessels, and ancient beads. Archaeologists have identified this as the first site in Thailand with such a concentration of archaeological structures and artifacts. The Fine Arts Department is preparing additional funding to continue research.
Thiwalrat noted that due to the current rainy season, skeletal remains have been temporarily moved to a museum in Pathum Thani Province. After the rains end, artifacts will be displayed in Phetchaburi for local viewing.
"As a Phetchaburi native and chair of this committee, I recognize that while the province has tremendous historical and cultural heritage, it lacks a central provincial museum," Thiwalrat said. "Most of Phetchaburi's artifacts are stored and displayed elsewhere because the province lacks appropriate facilities. The existing museum atop Phra Nakhon Khiri has accessibility limitations for elderly visitors. I urge the Fine Arts Department to support establishing a proper museum here."
Thiwalrat also announced that the Fine Arts Department director is advancing efforts to have Phra Nakhon Khiri inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A working committee has been formed to study the impact on the annual Phra Nakhon Khiri festival and its thousands of participants. The province welcomes budget support for restoration.
Thiwalrat predicted that Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chiang Mai provinces will achieve World Heritage status by year's end, and urged all provinces with heritage potential to coordinate with the committee to promote Thailand's cultural sites internationally and boost tourism.
